Meet Our Team

Jodi Hendler is the principal physiotherapist and director of Glen Eira Physiotherapy as well as One Space Health Medical centre. She graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa with a BSc Honours degree in Physiotherapy and has been in private practice for the past 30 years.

Jodi has had extensive experience in the treatment of spinal and sports related injuries, as well as headaches and jaw pain. In addition, Jodi has a special interest in the treatment of Pregnancy related back ache and pelvic pain.

Working closely with Professor Andrew Briggs and several endocrinologists, she sees patients who require exercise advice regarding osteoporosis and arthritic conditions. Jodi has participated in a Melbourne university study on osteoporosis and has had experience in designing appropriate exercise programs for such patients. In addition, has completed training in the GLAD Program for hip and knee OA.

Jodi has completed full training in clinical Pilates through DMA and Polestar and incorporates Pilates exercise into her treatment and rehabilitation of patients, offering not only hands on physiotherapy but exercise prescription as an important pathway to recovery.

Chelsea graduated with Honours from The University of Melbourne in 2003. She has since worked in both the public and private health care sectors in Australia and the UK. During this time she has developed special interest in sports injuries, low back, SIJ/pelvic and hip pain, lower limb biomechanics and exercise prescription. Chelsea has completed advanced courses in Sports and Spinal Physiotherapy, Dry Needling, Real Time Ultrasound, Clinical Pilates (Levels 1-4 Dance Medicine Australia) and pregnancy/postnatal exercise. Chelsea has also previously worked withfootball and running clubs and individual athletes, and is a keen sportsperson herself, having completed several half and full marathons.

In 2012-13 she returned to The University of Melbourne to complete her Masters in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and was awarded the highest achieving student in the Masters program. Chelsea places a strong emphasis on current evidence-based treatment, and the importance of patient involvement and education

Mikala graduated with an honours degree in Physiotherapy from Melbourne University in 2000 and has since completed post graduate studies in Sports Physiotherapy. She has a special interest in sports and spinal injuries and functional rehabilitation. Mikala has worked in a sports setting since graduating, including work with the Victorian volleyball teams, national level basketball, the London marathon, the British military and most recently returning from 3 years working as the lead physiotherapist for Cirque du Soleil in China. Mikala also has a special interest in pre and post natal physiotherapy and Pilates, as well as TMJ dysfunction, completing TMJ courses in a post graduate setting.

Mikala combines many different skills to achieve optimum results, including manual therapy, dry needling, cupping and Clinical Pilates, having completed her Level 1-4 certification with Dance Medicine Australia.

Andrew is a senior physiotherapist whose clinical practice focuses on helping people who live with complex or chronic musculoskeletal conditions regain a sense of control over their condition, confidence to manage their health and improve their quality of life. Andrew typically works with people who live with complex chronic pain conditions such as chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic
arthritis), and other chronic musculoskeletal and rheumatic conditions like osteoporosis. Andrew works with a network of local rheumatologists, endocrinologists and pain medicine specialists in an interprofessional care model.

In addition to part-time clinical practice, Andrew works in research and education as a Professor of musculoskeletal health at Curtin University. His team has developed resources to support people manage their musculoskeletal health, such as painHEALTH and youngpainHEALTH. He has worked in both the Victorian and
Western Australian healthcare systems as a clinician, researcher and senior policymaker, and for the World Health Organisation 2017-24. Currently, he works on
the Victorian WorkSafe Clinical Panel.

Andrew graduated with first class honours in his physiotherapy degree (Curtin University, WA), holds a PhD in musculoskeletal health (University of Melbourne) and is one a small group of Australian physiotherapists who has been awarded Fellowship with the Australian College of Physiotherapists (FACP) as a Specialist Research Physiotherapist (as awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists, 2016) in the area of rheumatology.

Ilana graduated with her Physiotherapy degree from Latrobe University in 1992. She has worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, general rehabilitation and private practice, and has provided Physiotherapy for amateur sports clubs, local dance schools, professional performing artists and musicians.

In addition to traditional Physiotherapy, Ilana is passionate about Clinical Pilates and its role in the “exercise is medicine” philosophy. She has been using Clinical Pilates and the principles of directional bias to inform her Physiotherapy treatment approach since 1996, and has enjoyed supporting the DMA Clinical Pilates Education Program as a Co-Presenter since 2008.

Ilana’s main areas of interest include musculoskeletal problems relating to biomechanics and posture, chronic back and neck pain, osteoarthritis management, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, ANS dysfunction and hypermobility, pre- and post-natal back pain, and chronic and recurrent sports and performing arts injuries. Ilana is also experienced in dance (pre-pointe) screening assessments.

Ilana is currently undertaking post-graduate studies in Clinical Rehabilitation through Melbourne University. These studies will deepen Ilana’s understanding of universal health issues and health promotion, and enable her to further support her patients with their goals of optimal function.

Away from work, Ilana likes spending time with family and friends and going to the theatre. She also enjoys running and yoga to keep fit, both physically and mentally.

Nicole graduated with a Doctorate of Physiotherapy from the University of Melbourne in 2015. Originally from Canada, Nicole completed her Honors of Kinesiology degree at Brock University. She has worked for various sporting teams including football, swimming, and AFL. She has also worked as a physiotherapy aide in Canada running fitness classes for the geriatric population.

Nicole has a strong interest in clinical Pilates. She has completed her DMA training as well as APPI Mat Work Training. She has a keen interest in running retraining, having completed half marathons herself and taking professional development courses in the biomechanics of running retraining.

Melissa completed her Bachelor of Science (Physiology/Neuroscience) degree at The University of Melbourne in 2014. She then moved to Sydney to study Physiotherapy and graduated from The University of Sydney with a Masters in Physiotherapy. She recently relocated to Melbourne to join our clinic.

Melissa thoroughly enjoys working in private practice where she has an interest in treating patients with musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, as well as pre/post orthopaedic surgery. Melissa is passionate about combining manual therapy techniques in conjunction with active rehabilitation and Pilates for long-term results.

Melissa has a special interest in gymnastics having competed in the Victorian State Team, along with seven years coaching experience. Her in-depth knowledge of strength and conditioning exercises and the biomechanics of complex movements, allows her to build tailored and individualized rehab programs for each of her patients sporting/work requirements.

Melanie graduated from La Trobe University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Applied Science and Master of Physiotherapy. She has always had a strong interest in the human body, science and the importance of physical and mental wellbeing. Over her University years, Melanie particularly enjoyed studying and learning about musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Melanie’s training included a series of placements at one of Melbourne’s top hospitals – Alfred Health. She enhanced her foundational physiotherapy skills by adding skills in oncology, general surgery, ICU and neurological rehabilitation.

After graduating, Melanie completed the DMA Pilates course and is now a certified DMA Pilates instructor. She is also certified in both the GLAD program and dry needling. She looks forward to continuing to develop her skills in both musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy. Melanie has a keen interest in women’s health and the impact on sport/exercise.

In her spare time, Melanie enjoys spending time exercising, in particular: running, cycling, swimming and boxing. This has helped her understand more about the physical demands of sport and how physiotherapy can help optimise performance.

Derrick graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from Monash University in 2021. Derrick underwent placement training at various clinical settings including inpatient rehabilitation, oncology, acute and outpatient orthopaedic and private practice. These experiences allowed him to develop an interest in musculoskeletal injuries.

Derrick has a special interest in treating tendon pain, osteoarthritis and, acute and overuse injuries from running and sports. His treatment philosophy is based on a combination of strength and conditioning concepts as well as clinical pilates for long term recovery. He believes in the importance of manual therapy for short term pain relief. Derrick enjoys working with amateur athletes and is currently working as a physio with the St Kevin’s Old Boys women’s team. He also enjoys working alongside the elderly to help them achieve their short- and long-term goals.

He has done courses in strength and conditioning, clinical pilates, wrist assessment and treatment and dry needling. Having grown up overseas, Derrick is conversational in both Mandarin and Cantonese. He is a keen rock climber, swimmer and fitness enthusiast and would like to further integrate physiotherapy into his hobbies.

Emma graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from James Cook University. Emma recently relocated from Townsville to Melbourne to begin her career in Physiotherapy.

Emma’s training includes foundational Physiotherapy skills in paediatrics, pre/post orthopaedic surgery management, private practice, neurological, cardiorespiratory and sporting rehabilitation. She developed a strong interest for musculoskeletal injuries, sporting rehabilitation and women’s health.

Emma has a passion for exercise, gym, running and pilates which allowed her to develop a great understanding of the importance of strength and conditioning to optimise performance and recovery. Emma is looking forward to developing her skills as a new graduate Physiotherapist.

Lucas completed his Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University and since then has 10 years experience working in private practice Physiotherapy clinics. He is currently completing a Masters Degree in Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University, and outside his time in the clinic, he also works with Melbourne United in the NBL, and presents various topics to other physiotherapists in the South-East suburbs. Lucas has also worked with teams in Australian Rules football and netball.

He enjoys treating clients from all backgrounds, from elite athletes to those with injuries from daily home activities.

Lucas places great emphasis on manual therapy techniques to facilitate exercises, and improving long term outcomes for his clients. He has completed multiple post-graduate courses in sports injuries, as well as spinal, hip and shoulder pain.

In his spare time, Lucas enjoys time with his young family, his friends, watching football and exercising with his Golden Retriever Arnie.

Meet Khanh, a dedicated and compassionate graduated physiotherapist who completed her Doctor of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne in 2023. With a wealth of diverse clinical experiences across major hospitals in Australia, as well as private practice placements in both Melbourne and Vietnam, Khanh has special interest in treating musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.

Passionate about integrating Clinical Pilates into her practice, Khanh is dedicated to alleviating pain and improving mobility at the clients’ individual pace. Currently undertaking Matwork and Equipment Pilates Courses through Unite Health, Khanh is continually enhancing her expertise in rehabilitation techniques to support her clients.

Fluent in Vietnamese and having grown up overseas, Khanh is enthusiastic about fostering meaningful connections with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring effective communication and understanding throughout their treatment journey.

Outside of work, Khanh remains committed to her personal wellness journey, engaging in activities such as Pilates, home gym workouts, and friendly games of tennis and frisbee.

Mia graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2023 from the University of Canberra. In pursuit of new adventures, Mia has recently moved to Melbourne after growing up in Sydney. She was fortunate that throughout her degree, she had diverse experiences completing 5 placements including two musculoskeletal private practices, outpatient rehabilitation centre for neurological conditions and in an acute ward at the Canberra hospital. Mia also had the opportunity to work with the Western Sydney Wanderers Women’s soccer team, contributing to her interests in becoming a sports physiotherapist.

During her studies, she gained valuable experience sports training alongside physiotherapists for rugby and soccer teams. Her academic interest in physiotherapy stemmed from her experience with sport-related injuries while playing netball, including internationally for her community.

Driven by a great desire to help others, Mia is committed to providing comprehensive treatment plans to help patients achieve their goals. Mia’s commitment to health and wellness extends beyond her professional life. Her hobbies include frequenting the gym, indulging in crime novels and playing social and competitive netball.

Mia completed her Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Summa Cum Laude, at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa in 2016. After varied experience throughout her degree Mia joined a private practice in 2018 where she gained invaluable experience in cardiothoracic physiotherapy in the cardiac, medical and surgical ICU’s and wards. In 2021 she joined a predominantly sport and musculoskeletal practice where she enjoyed treating sports injuries and daily musculoskeletal conditions. In March 2023, Mia relocated to Melbourne Australia and joined our clinic.

Mia thoroughly enjoys the process of getting to the right diagnosis and formulating an appropriate management plan. She enjoys treating patients with musculoskeletal conditions as well as any pre-/post-surgery preparation or rehab. Mia is a firm believer in combining different techniques to achieve optimal results and loves to encourage movement in any way, shape or form.

She has a particular interest in running and swimming injuries, being a runner herself and having swam competitively at national level in South Africa. Mia has completed courses in advanced dry needling, musculoskeletal techniques, pilates mat and recently completed the first unit of DMA’s Clinical Pilates course.